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"Some of these children may experience risks within their family, such as abuse and neglect.

"There may also be risks outside their family, such as radicalisation or exploitation.

"Children who do not attend school may be at further risk of not achieving their educational potential. They may not be able to access formal education or employment in the future if they have not gained recognised qualifications.

"They will also not benefit from the role that schools play in developing children’s skills to participate fully and constructively in society."

Parents are not required to register children as being educated at home, so not all home-educated children will be known to their Local Authority.

Why are so many children being educated at home?

General dissatisfaction with school was the most common reason for families choosing to educate their child at home.

There are more children with additional needs now being educated at home, as many parents report feeling they had no other option.

Increasingly, some parents allege that elective home education (EHE) is suggested to them to avoid attendance fines or further exclusions.

Children can also be taken out of school following a breakdown in relationship between school and family.